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Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival

Start now with your fall planning, and book your lodging to enjoy smoky mountain fall. Fall in the smokies is the best time for a vacation and viewing smoky mountain fall colors. Fall colors in the smoky mountains are the brightest you will see anywhere. Schedule your fall break to view the fall leaf colors. Book now to experience the fall foliage of the smoky mountains.

From colorful mountaintops to crafts and live entertainment, Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is a county-wide event throughout the towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Townsend. These towns represent a special autumn zone of the Smoky Mountains that transforms itself through fun times, vibrancy of the leaves and hospitality of the locals. Come and stay during this magical time in Tennessee. Fall is the peak time to explore this Smoky Mountain region, which is famous for its fall leaf colors. Take in all of the special attractions and shows during Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. Start dreaming now of crisp cool air. Discover a great vacation package, and plan your autumn vacation itinerary.

For a complete list of activities, visit the calendar of events and plan your vacation now.

Fall is time of celebration in the Smoky Mountains when special harvest-themed activities and displays can be found throughout the communities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Townsend. Visitors see an array of craft shows, decorations and other "artistic" scenes that are sure to keep everyone's energy level lively. If you're into knick knacks and friendly faces, then the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is sure to keep you entertained throughout your entire stay in this region of the United States. Vacationers make a special point to shop and dine their way through Pigeon Forge, and they don't stop until they reach Gatlinburg and a mysterious region known by locals as "The Glades." Don't miss out! Start making your plans to be part of the celebration today! Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival continues from September 15 through October 31 with many events, displays, and activities to enjoy.

TIP | Fall Color Hotline is 1-800-697-4200

IMPORTANT | FALL 2014 marks the official beginning of the 18th Annual Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival. The main number for Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival activities is (865) 453-8574. PigeonForge.com provides comprehensive info and up-to-date blogs about fall leaf colors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival Events:

September

5 - 6

Shades of the Past Rod Run - Dollywood's Splash Country. Rods, Customs and Classics through 1972. Prizes and Awards to be given. Vendors and show will be at Dollywood's Splash Country parking lot. (865) 995-2009

12 - 14

Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run - LeConte Center of Pigeon Forge.This Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run is one of the most popular car shows in Pigeon Forge simply because of the cooler weather, lack of summertime visitors, and the slight chance of seeing some fall colors start to show! This Pigeon Forge rod run features thousands of hot rods and muscle cars of a years, makes, models, colors, and sizes. It’s eye-candy for car lovers! 865-687-3976

19

The Three Generations Acoustic Tour: Bobby Bare, John Anderson, and Darryl Worley - 8:00 pm at Country Tonite Theatre. The story of John Anderson and his platinum-plus album, "Seminole Wind", is the story of country music. His song entitled "Swingin' " was not only the Country Music Association's 1983 Song of the year; more recently it was cited by the A.M.O.A. as one of its all-time top-forty jukebox hits. Darryl Worley is a distinctive singer and first-rate songwriter whose music chronicles life, love and the world situation with equal facility. Some of Darryl’s hits include “I Miss My Friend”, “Awful, Beautiful Life”, “A Good Day to Run”, and “Have You Forgotten?.” Call 1-800-792-4308 for more information.

Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament- Play a part in the fun and excitement of the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. This event is perfect for adults, children and of course all visitors. Before these seasonal, 2-day trout tournaments get started, there will be over 10,000 trout stocked in over 20 miles of streams! Enter the tournament for your chance at over $10,000 in cash and prizes. Spend your next vacation trout fishing in Tennessee and experience all the fun the Smokies have to offer!In Pigeon Forge. Call for more info 865-661-3474

27

SGMA 5K - Please come out with hundreds of your friends/artists/fans on this beautiful fall September morning in Pigeon Forge to enjoy our first 5K run or 1 mile walk. The SGMA Hall of Fame 5K course features a common start/finish. Route will have runners going away from the LeConte Convention Center, exiting the parking lot, following Teaster, Old Mill, Butler Roads and through the Greenway to finish in the parking lot at the start line.The SGMA 5K benefits the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located in Pigeon Forge, TN at Dollywood. Join us in preserving the past to protect our future. Pre-registration is required. For details and information, please e-mail trice@fbcsev.org.

28 - 10/5

Mountain Fest- Located at Inn at Christmas Place. Call for more info 865-868-0525

October

1 - 15

Autumn color in the Smokies- The notion that peak color season in Great Smoky Mountains National Park happens in mid-October is a misconception. The marvelous colors of autumn actually light up the Smokies for seven weeks or more as the peak elevations move down the mountainsides from the highest elevations to the foothills. Read more about fall colors.

3 - 6

Creekside Gospel Music Convention + Scoops Diamond Awards - SGNScoops Magazine holds the Scoops Diamond Awards event at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. Join us for this gathering of some of the top names in gospel music. The Scoops Diamond Awards are given as a result of fan voting. This will be an incredible evening of good Southern Gospel Music, as well as an exciting night when you see and hear your favorite artist receive a coveted SGN Scoops’ Diamond Award. Mark this date in your calendar and be sure to join us!

Don Williams - 8:00 pm at Country Tonite Theatre. There are few American classics these days, but Don Williams is certainly one of them. With hits such as "Good Ole Boys Like Me", "Amanda", "Tulsa Time", "You're My Best Friend" and "I Believe In You", this member of the Country Music Hall of Fame always delivers an amazing show. Call 1-800-792-4308 for more information.

23 - 26

25th Annual Hudsons In The Heartland - This meet by Hudson car enthusiasts' Smoky Mountain Heartland Chapter will once again be held at the Vacation Lodge in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Call (865) 453-2640 for more information.

30

Halloween Trick or Treat- The Pigeon Forge Community Center's Halloween event takes place yearly on the Thursday before Halloween. This free and non-scary event is a safe alternative for families to go Trick or Treating. Vendors from the Pigeon Forge Community set up fun, and sometimes interactive displays, and hand out candy. Call for more info 865-429-7373

Visit the Pigeon Forge area to see colorful leaves in the fall. Depending on the weather, leaves will begin to change some time in October. For more information call the Fall Color Hotline at 1-800-697-4200 to receive updated color information pertaining to the following areas: Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, TN.

Don't be surprised if you see a wedding ceremony in progress as you're taking a scenic drive or riding the trolley. Couples from all over the world choose to get married in the Smoky Mountains. This is a top destination in the United States for getting married. Pigeon Forge offers an abundance of wedding services. Brides and grooms appreciate the beautiful fall scenery that adds a pop of color to their ceremony.

Sevierville Harvest Festival Events:

September

1 - 6

Sevier County Fair - Enjoy this true hometown fair experience Sevier County at the Fair Grounds in Sevierville, TN. A lively midway with games, rides and, of course, lots of food is only the beginning. Exhibit halls and barns with a variety of animals will complete this traditional family activity. Live concerts included with your admission fee. For more information visit seviercountyfairgrounds.com or call (865) 453-0770.

18 -20

Dumplin Valley Blue Grass Festival - Dumplin Valley Farm RV Park in Kodak, Tennessee is the place to be for blue grass music lovers. Experience some of the nation's top blue grass musicians + great food and the hint of autumn in the air. For more information, call (865) 397-7942.

Circle Yer Wagens - Volkswagen Show and Swap Meet at Sevier County Fairgrounds. For more information, call (865) 453-0770.

4 - 5

Robert A. Tino's Smoky Mountain Homecoming - Located at Sunset View Farm, home to the Robert A. Tino Gallery, alongside Hwy 66 in Sevierville, TN. Regional craftsmen anad artisans dressed in period costumes talk with visitors as they demonstrate their skills. Professional blue grass musicians + professional story tellers enthrall visitors with folk lore and humor that harkens back to simpler times. Kids enjoy activities designed with them in mind including wagon rides, a petting zoo, face painting, pony rides and a pick-and-paint pumpkin patch. Admission is free with a small fee for some of the kids' activities. Proceeds go to Boys and Girls Club of the Great Smoky Mountains. For more information, call toll free 1-888-738-4378.

12

16th Annual Smoky Bear Open Car/Motorcycle Show & Silent Auction - Located at Sevier County High School. This is an open show with all makes & models Welcome. Everything from Motorcycles, Speciality Cars & Trucks, Street Machines, Antiques, Street Rods and more. Call (865)453-1076 for more information.

17 - 18

Fall Corvette Expo - over 4,000 visitors flock to this expo at the Sevierville Convention Center and Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort.

18 - 19

Smoky Mountain Rubberstamp & Scrapbook Show - Located at Sevierville Convention Center, This event is an opportunity to shop with professional rubber stamp and scrapbook design companies from around the country. Take advantage of Make-and-Take Projects + enjoy Door Prizes every hour. Get away for a day or two of stamping and scrapping fun! For more information, visit toomuchfunrubberstamps.com.

Brides are everywhere! Consider this—Many family members are off work during the week of Labor Day or Fall Break or Thanksgiving. Booking your wedding near a holiday often turns out to be the perfect solution for families and large groups to gather for your special ceremony. Anytime is the perfect seasonal time for getting married in the mountains. Pigeon Forge offers four complete seasons of beauty. The transition to autumn becomes an explosion of red, gold, and green. Consider PigeonForge.com as your comprehensive guide for wedding services.

Gatlinburg Harvest Festival Events:

September

20

Mountain Life Festival at the Mountain Farm Museum – A fall harvest celebration that brings the Mountain Farm Museum to life. There will be many different demonstrations including soap, apple cider, sorghum molasses, and hominy making, music and more.

Pigeon Forge has plenty of shopping and great deals all year long. This town has everything from little souvenir and gift shops to huge name brand outlet stores. So whatever is on your Christmas list, you'll be able to find it here in Pigeon Forge! Plan a fall girls shopping getaway weekend getaway to relax in the evenings and get a little bit of your shopping list completed before the holiday rush. View scenes of Pigeon Forge shopping!

Saturday Nights Pickin' on the Porch - Every Saturday night May through October at Wood n' Strings Dulcimer Shop at 7:00 pm

14

Parkside Realty Townsend 15k - 8:00 am in Townsend, TN. Set in Townsend, Tennessee, the aptly named "Peaceful Side of the Smokies," there isn't a more scenic race venue on the Knoxville Track Club calendar. Call 1-888-217-5635 or e-mail knoxvilletrackclub@gmail.com.

Come and relax in the beautiful colors of fall and breathe in the fresh autumn air. There are many opportunities for participation in the arts and crafts festivals of Pigeon Forge. Visitors enjoy the activities available in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For a complete list of activities, view the PigeonForge.com calendar of events. Find a great vacation package, and plan your fall trip now.

During this eye-popping time of year known as Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, you will not believe the spectacular autumn displays! Enjoy the crisp outdoors by attending Fall Rod Run, hiking through the orange and red fall foliage of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, check out one of the new ziplines! PigeonForge.com staffers have reviewed and recommend Adventure Ziplines and also Adventure Park at Five Oaks. We also suggest taking a scenic drive or treating yourself to a show at one of the Pigeon Forge area theaters. Many visitors prefer Tony Roma's for theater dining in Pigeon Forge. It is delicious and centrally located to all Pigeon Forge shows.

The Smoky Mountains put on a spectacular multicolored show of leaves. Warm days transition into cool evenings. This is the perfect time of year to treat yourself or your group to one of Pigeon Forge's many shows.

There are attractions tailored for all ages, all different personalities. Use PigeonForge.com as your planning guide for Things To Do and ways to save in the Smoky Mountains. Of all the beautiful seasons in the Smoky Mountains, Fall is number one. The fall foliage and colors and displays become part of the autumn celebration throughout the Smoky Mountain region as Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. Here in the city of Pigeon Forge, we like to call it "Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival."

Pigeon Forge is bright with vivid colors...not just from the fall leaves but from the dazzling display of neon signs and colorful attractions. You’re not quite sure what to think as you drive past castles and dinosaurs and Bavarian guest houses. You begin to ask yourself “Why am I seeing an Egyptian Tomb and the Titanic ocean vessel on the same street?” It can be overwhelming. “Did I just see a hot air balloon floating in the air above an upside-down mansion?” PigeonForge.com is the best guide to help you navigate this colorful puzzle of hotels, condos, and attractions.

Soon enough you begin to realize that this town is one giant four-lane highway of activities and theaters. There really is no other place like action-packed Pigeon Forge. It is such a fun and fascinating journey through the center of town on the main Parkway. You will be laughing and relaxing before you know it. Pigeon Forge looks like a circus wrapped in an enchilada that is deep fried then topped with a dollop of honky tonk.

Suddenly, you get the sensation that someone is staring down at you from above. You become aware of an enormous presence in the distance. Is it far away? Is it up close? You glance upward beyond the glow of the city and there it is...the beautiful Smoky Mountains — presiding over Pigeon Forge like a benevolent house mother watching over a playground of hyperactive juveniles.

Your first step is acceptance. You must accept the fact that YOU are the hyperactive juvenile who enjoys relaxing and letting go of all cares as you view the spectacle of Pigeon Forge. “Did I just see a sign for Juicy Couture? Am I shopping in Beverly Hills or the Smoky Mountains?” You enjoy gawking at the giant red Comedy Barn. You roll down your window attempting to read the flashing Titanic sign. You find yourself intrigued by WonderWorks. What an off-kilter building. What could possibly be inside? “Note to self: Must-see-magic-show.”

Teenagers are thrilled to see the most extreme ziplines and bungee offerings. Families laugh together while enjoying a game of putt-putt. Everyone from hipsters to grandparents can be found filling the seats of the shows available in Pigeon Forge theaters. PigeonForge.com staff has reviewed and recommends Country Tonite Theatre and Smoky Mountain Opry. Families with kids and teens really go for Wonders of Magic located at WonderWorks.

“Did our car just glide right by a full wedding procession with a lip-locked bride and groom?” Most people know that Las Vegas is the most popular destination in the world for getting married. The Smoky Mountains is the 2nd most popular destination! One quick drive down the main Parkway in Pigeon Forge, and visitors can see a few “zany” chapels with neon signs. The adorable little white chapels appeal to a vast number of visitors. Married couples enjoy renewing their vows in a casual chapel; they dress comfortably and celebrate with a nice meal at a local restaurantand a show at an area theater. Perhaps they mark their anniversary with a tattoo or a spa treatment.Pigeon Forge is widely known as a top location to take an affordable family vacation. Simply walking through Pigeon Forge shopping zones and browsing through the unique stores is a treat for all visitors. It doesn't cost anything to marvel at the spectacular storefront displays, as well as the flowers and over-the-top seasonal decorations throughout the town. Visitors delight the abundance of specialty candy stores. Browse through glass displays cases, and find a mouth-watering selection of hand crafted filled chocolates and carmels. Most Pigeon Forge restaurants are family friendly and affordable. PigeonForge.com staffers have reviewed family restaurants and recommend Log Cabin Pancake House and Mama's Farmhouse. Increasingly, families are opting to save money by staying in and enjoying their hotel amenities, letting the kids enjoy playgrounds and pools and ordering pizza from Big Daddy's Pizzeria. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a
short scenic drive away with plenty of activities just for kids.

PigeonForge.com staff recommends a few family friendly Smoky Mountain ideas in Kids Korner. Dads and uncles gaze at the abundance of Pigeon Forge car shows and cruise-ins. Some car shows are large, formal events with attendees from all over the world. Other car shows are small affairs with a dozen hot rods who decide to gather in the parking lot of a local restaurant.

Autumn is a magical season in the Smoky Mountains, especially for anyone who possesses an artistic spirit. Venture a short drive beyond Pigeon Forge, and discover the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, a place where local residents learned to carve and weave while working in galleries passed from generation to generation. It is a quiet historic setting deep in the woods just 3 miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg, TN. Tucked away in the mountains, this community of artisans is also commonly referred to as “The Glades.”

An 8-mile loop road guides visitors through a region where pioneer mountain families transformed natural elements into arts and crafts long before the founding of Great Smoky Mountains National Park...an era before tourism when Gatlinburg was commonly known by locals as "White Oak Flats." Today, this area of the mountains is the largest group of independent artists in North America. This is where hard-core collectors go for fine-art pottery, glass, and leatherworks. Twice per year, the artists band together and hold a week-long show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The event is entitled, "Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair," and visitors flock from all over the world to purchase and collect fine art paintings, prints, sculptures, quilts, pottery...the list goes on.

Pigeon Forge is loaded with authentic pancake house dining. Travelers are amazed at the number of log cabins offering exquisite pancakes with fruit compotes, nuts or chocolate chips. They also fall in love with the country ham that is specifically produced in this East Tennessee region. Biscuits and gravy abound on every table, plus most places offer a huge variety of waffles and omelets. Most local pancake houses offer breakfast all day. In addition to traditional pancake offerings, most restaurants transition easily from breakfast to lunch. For example, Bennett's Bar-b-que offers all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffets with fried chicken, pork barbeque, homemade soups, and fresh salad bar. Everyone will find something they enjoy. Don't be put off by the term “buffet.” Bennett's offers an enticing array of appalachian comfort food, plus there are some not-to-be-missed entrees for the salad lover in your group. The servers are sweet and welcoming. Of course you will see experienced buffetgoers making a beeline for the sumptuous dessert selections. You and your merry troupe of shopping buddies will discover many values in the gift shop.

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Testimonials

Laughing until we had tears. I’ve never seen anything like the look on my kids’ faces when we drove down the Parkway past Pigeon Forge attractions. Our hotel was so vibrant and the staff was upbeat and helpful. Pigeon Forge is the brightest spot in the Smoky Mountains. The high energy (and clean language) shows we saw in theaters had everyone in my family clapping their hands…even “sour” Uncle George.